Decorative Boot Clip

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable fashion accessory that is capable of attaching to the rim of a boot, giving the appearance of a customized look to the exterior of a boot without making permanent alterations. A support member will fasten the accessory to the boot, while a decorative member will provide ornamental and aesthetic improvements to the boot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/460,619, filed on Jan. 06, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to fashion accessories, and more particularly, to a decorative boot clip that can be used to customize footwear with interchangeable accessories, and without making permanent cosmetic changes to the object.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

A boot is a type of footwear for men, women, and children. A boot typically covers at least the foot and ankle, sometimes extending up to the knee or above. A boot tends to have a heel that is distinguishable from the sole, even if they are both made from the same piece. The most common materials used to make early incarnations of boots were leather and rubber. Now, materials such as suede, fur, vinyl, and other fabrics are also used in the manufacture of boots.

A boot was first designed for utilitarian purposes of protection and stabilization of the foot and leg. A boot's construction shields the foot and leg from elements including water, snow, fire, mud, and other hazardous materials. A boot's length and composition of sturdy materials restricts the ankle just enough to keep it from twisting, while still allowing it to be functional. This practical combination of protection and stabilization makes boots the preferred footwear choice for soldiers, farmers, firefighters, and outdoorsmen.

Aside from utilitarian purposes, a boot has come to represent a significant portion of footwear for fashion and style. A fashion boot has garnered a feminine connotation, although this footwear is also manufactured and sold for men. A fashion boot is offered in a variety of styles, with most rising to at least the ankle, and sometimes as high as the knee or above. A fashion boot is versatile, in that it can be used for both informal and formal dress, as well as business attire. Boots were popular with women in the nineteenth century, but they didn't become accepted as an item of style until the 1960s. Since then, boots have become a staple of winter wardrobes.

In addition to varied lengths, a fashion boot also has three standard fits: fitted, straight-legged, or loose-fitted. A fashion boot that fits snugly still allows for flexibility by use of gussets, which can either be a slit in the top of the shaft, or panels on the sides of a shaft backed by elastic fabric. Movement of the ankle is made possible by compression folds in the material. In knee-length boots, a vent in the back of the boot starting at the top of the shaft going down to the knee allows for adequate knee flexion. This vent may be closed with laces, elasticized, or left open. Alternatives to the vent include the use of a shaft that flares out above the knee, or using a stretchable material for the entire boot shaft.

A fashion boot can be fastened to the foot in a variety of ways. For shorter styles like ankle boots, laces are common. Zippers are utilized for all varieties of fashion boots, with some running the entire length of the shaft, and others just partially. The latter type facilitates being able to slide one's foot into the boot by relaxing the ankle portion. Looser fit, pull-on boots employ a loop of leather sewn into the top of the shaft, known as a boot-strap, which facilitates pulling the boot onto the foot. Buttons used as fasteners are all but obsolete in modern fashion boots. Instead, buttons can be used to accessorize boots, along with buckles, studs, straps, and stitching.

A fashion boot is a very desirable addition to a fashionable wardrobe. However, typical fashion boots are manufactured with a preset style that cannot easily be customized without permanent alteration. Therefore, a need exists for a fashion boot that can be customized and accessorized without permanent alteration.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to provide individuals a simple way to customize and accessorize their boots. This is accomplished by manufacturing an interchangeable decorative boot clip that can attach to a boot in a unique way. The aim of this invention is to make an aesthetic improvement, not a performance-based improvement, to a boot.

The present invention is comprised of an internal boning, or support member, that is intended to retain the device to the boot. The support member would comprise a circular piece of metal, plastic, rubber, or boning, leather, vinyl, foam, or fabric. The shape of the support member is intended to allow the device to wrap partially or completely around the rim of a boot. The support member comprises an inner portion which extends inside the shaft of a boot, and an outer portion which extends down the outside shaft of a boot.

In one embodiment, the support member will be surrounded by a tight-fitting lining, or slip. This slip will be positioned between the support member and the boot, and also between the inner portion and the leg of the user. The slip is made of a non-stretchable, sturdy lining. The slip will be flush against the inside wall of the boot's shaft and the inner portion of the support member, and aids in retaining the clip to the boot and further aids in general comfort and positioning of the device.

The present invention is also comprised of a decorative portion, or gown, which attaches to the outer portion of the support member. This is the area where most of the decorating is done. A shoe-making material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other non-stretchable fabric can be used as well. Common designs include zebra or leopard print, fur, or any color combination complementing or contrasting the color of the boot.

The outer portion of the support member can also be used as a decorative portion by itself. Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached directly to the outer portion. Fabric can also be attached as well. The support member will be placed onto the rim of the boot and may or may not include the lining.

In an alternative embodiment, a third part, or crown, is included in the design of the support member for use with wide or thick rimmed boots. The crown would be positioned between the inside and outside portions of the support member and have a flat shape. The crown is made from the same material as the support member.

In an alternative embodiment, the gown will extend upward above the knee instead of down the boot shaft. The gown will attach to the thigh of the user and will give the appearance of an over the knee or thigh high boot. Special designs can be placed onto the area where the support member attaches to the boot to further distinguish it from the decorative portion. This embodiment is intended to be used with knee-high boots, but any boot can be used.

These and other objectives of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of this invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the decorative boot clip according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the decorative boot clip according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip in a plain state according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip in an ornamented state according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member with a crown in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating front and rear isometric views of the decorative boot clip according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip in an ornamented state with a thigh attachment according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The object of this invention is to provide a simple method of customizing and accessorizing boots. In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of a support member that would fit over the rim of any boot. In a second embodiment, the support member includes a lining, or slip, which is positioned between the support member and the boot, and a decorative portion, or gown, which attaches to the outer portion of the support member and extends down the shaft of the boot. In a third embodiment, the gown will instead extend upward, attaching to the user's thigh. The aim of this invention is to make an aesthetic improvement for footwear, not a performance-based improvement.

The present invention is comprised of an internal boning, or support member, that is intended to retain the device to the boot. The support member would comprise a firm, but flexible, circular piece of metal, plastic, rubber, or boning or a combination of these materials. The shape of the support member is intended to allow the device to wrap partially or completely around the rim of a boot. The support member comprises an inner portion which extends inside the shaft of a boot up to 4 inches, and an outer portion which extends down the outside shaft of a boot up to 2 inches or further for decorative purposes.

The support member attaches to the boot by having the inner portion and outer portion exert forces against each other, thereby pinching the rim of the boot. Securing devices such as clips, snaps, elastic, magnets, zippers, buttons, or other means can be used to better secure the device to the boot. The securing devices should never be placed on the shin area, as any unwanted force upon them would result in severe pain for the user. The circumference of the support member can vary in size depending on the design. Furthermore, the support member may have a gap, enabling it to be resized for boots of different circumference, but may also be made as a continuous circle.

In one embodiment, the support member will be surrounded by a tight-fitting lining, or slip. This slip will be positioned between the support member and the boot, and also between the inner portion and the leg of the user. The slip can extend from the boot's rim down the inside up to 5 inches in depth. The slip is made of a non-stretchable, sturdy material such as polyester, cotton, satin, silk, or any other suitable material. The slip will be flush against the inside wall of the boot's shaft and the inner portion of the support member, and aids in retaining the clip to the boot and further aids in general comfort and positioning of the device.

The present invention is also comprised of a decorative portion, or gown, which attaches to the outer portion of the support member and extends down the length of the boot shaft. This is the area where most of the decorating is done with the use of jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories. A shoe-making material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other non-stretchable fabric can be attached to the outer portion directly and extend down the entire shaft of the boot. The material can be glued to the support member, or sewn to the lining. Furthermore, the lining can be replaced by the shoe-making material if it can serve the same purpose. Common designs include zebra or leopard print, fur, or any color combination complementing or contrasting the color of the boot.

In an alternative embodiment, the outer portion of the support member will be used as a decorative portion by itself. Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached directly to the outer portion. The support member will be placed onto the rim of the boot and may or may not include the lining.

In an alternative embodiment, a third part, or crown, is included in the design of the support member. The crown is intended to be used for boots with a wide or thick rim and/or shaft. The crown would be positioned between the inside and outside portions of the support member and have a flat or rounded shape. The crown can also be covered in decorative fabric, as it is a visible part of the device. While the device may attach to a thick rimmed boot without the crown, it would not sit securely without the crown, and would have a higher chance of detaching itself from the boot. The crown gives the extra space necessary for the boot clip to retain itself properly on these larger boots. The crown is made from the same material as the support member.

In an alternative embodiment, the gown will extend upward above the knee instead of down the boot shaft. The gown will attach to the thigh of the user with an elastic band, zipper, strap, button, or other means, and will give the appearance of a thigh high or above the knee boot. Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories will be attached to the decorative portion, or any material can be used which complements the design of the boot. Special designs can be placed onto the area where the support member attaches to the boot to further distinguish it from the decorative portion. Clips, snaps, or other means of attaching are especially important here because the clip does not benefit from being pulled downward during usage. Fusing, facing, or any suitable firm material, can be used to retain this embodiment in its upright position. This embodiment is intended to be used with knee-high boots, but any boot can be used.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the decorative boot clip 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The decorative boot clip 100 is circular in shape, and comprises an inner portion 120 and an outer portion 130 which rest on the rim of a boot 110. This embodiment does not comprise of a slip 420 or gown 430. Rather, the decorative materials 450 are attached directly to the outer portion 130.

The decorative boot clip 100 attaches to the boot 110 by pinching the rim of the boot 110. The inner portion 120 goes around the inside wall of the boot 110 and applies pressure against the inside wall, while the outer portion 130 goes around the outside wall of the boot 110 and applies pressure against the outside wall. A gap 140 is placed on the decorative boot clip 110 to allow it to fit on boots 110 with different circumferences. The boot 110 is not part of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gap 140 is used to accommodate the boot zipper 210 on the boot clip 100. Again, the inner portion 120 and outer portion 130 apply opposite forces toward each other to keep their position on the boot 110. The inner portion 120 can vary in depth inside of the boot 110, up to 4 inches, depending on its need to add support for the particular design of the outer portion 130. The outer portion 130 can extend completely down the shaft 440 of the boot 110 or further depending on the design.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member 300 in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the inner portion 120 and outer portion 130 contain several clips 310. This embodiment is meant to rest on the top of the boot rim 410 while the clips 310 hold the support member 300 in place. It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations that can include designs from the rim 410 of the boot 110 extending partially and/or completely down the boot shaft 440 or slightly beyond the shaft 440, and also extend either partially or completely around the outside of the boot shaft 440 in various shapes depending on the design. The support member 300 is made using a firm, yet flexible material such as rubber, metal, plastic, or foam, but any suitable material can be used. The clips 310 can be substituted with other securing devices such as snaps, magnets, buttons, zippers, elastic bands, or any other means that can secure the device to the boot 110.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the decorative boot clip 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the outer portion 130 and inner portion 120 would normally be angled to apply pressure against each other to attach the boot clip 100 to the boot rim 410, or have clips 310 or other securing means to do the same, but these elements were omitted for the sake of clarity. Here, a slip 420 surrounds the inner portion 120 and half of the outer portion 130. The slip 420 will be flush against the inside and outside wall of the boot shaft 440 and will aid in positioning and comfort of the decorative boot clip 100. The slip 420 may be one piece of material, or several pieces sewn together to aide in stretching around the inner portion 120 and outer portion 130. Common materials include satin, silk, polyester, cotton, or any other non-stretchable material commonly used as lining. The slip 420 can extend up to 5 inches inside of the boot 110, and even attach to the leg of the user for added comfort.

The gown 430 comprises a shoe-making material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other non-stretchable fabric. The gown 430 can hang short, as is shown here, or can extend down the entire boot shaft 460 or beyond. The gown 430 can be glued to the outer portion 130, and/or it can be sewn onto the slip 420. Common gown 430 designs include zebra or leopard print, fur, or any fabric color combination complementing or contrasting the color of the boot. Decorative materials 450 such as jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached directly to the gown 430 for added ornamental design.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip 100 in a plain state according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown 430 covers the entire boot shaft 440 from rim to ankle and completely around the shaft 440. This can be decorated with any of the materials 450 mentioned above, or made with a color that complements the color of the boot 110. The slip 420 will go inside the boot 110 and can extend deeper to provide more stability for this longer design. A zipper 510 may be utilized for ease in attaching and removing it from the boot 110. An elastic strip 520 is placed on both sides of the zipper 510 to give it flexibility in fitting over the boot 110. A boot zipper 210 may also be present on the boot 110. The support member 300 is hidden in this view, but is inside of the slip 420 and gown 430 and is used to secure the decorative boot clip 100 to the boot 110. In an alternative embodiment, no support member 300 is used, and the slip 420 and gown 430 attach to the boot 110 directly.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip 100 in an ornamented state according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a unique zebra design is used to illustrate how the boot clip 100 will contrast the style of the boot 110. Here, a zipper 510 and elastic strips 520 are used to give the boot clip 100 flexibility in fitting over the boot 110. A sturdy fabric can be used to provide the ornamental design, or a fusing/facing can be used inside of the material to provide a desired sturdiness.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown 430 extends down past the ankle area of the boot shaft 440 and rests on top the shoe portion of the boot 110. The slip 420 extends deep into the boot 110 due to the complexity and length of the design. A belt 710 with a plastic flower 720 adds ornamental value to this embodiment, but any design can be attached to the belt 710. The support member 300, hidden in this view, will secure the boot clip 100 in place, while the belt 710 retains the boot clip 100 at the bottom. In an alternative embodiment, no support member 300 is used, and the slip 420 and gown 430 attach to the boot 110 directly.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member 300 with a crown 810 in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the inner portion 120 and outer portion 130 are separated by a crown 810. This embodiment is meant to rest on the top of a boot shaft 440 with a wide or thick rim 410 and to hold the support member 300 in place by having the inner portion 120 and outer portion 130 push against each other. It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations that can include designs from the rim 410 of the boot 110 extending partially and/or completely down the boot shaft 440 or slightly beyond the shaft 440, and also extend either partially or completely around the outside of the boot shaft 440 in various shapes depending on the design. The support member 300 is made using a firm, yet flexible material such as rubber, metal, plastic, or foam, but any suitable material can be used. Clips 310 can be used in this embodiment, or can be substituted with other securing devices such as snaps, magnets, buttons, zippers, elastic bands, or any other means that can secure the device to the boot.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating front and rear isometric views of the decorative boot clip 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown 430 and slip 420 are separated by a crown 810, which is used to widen the space between gown 430 and the slip 420. The crown 810 is added to a design of boots 110 with a wide or thick rim 410 and/or boot shaft 440, and allows the decorative boot clip 100 to rest on the rim 410 of the boot shaft 440. Flowers 720 or other ornamental objects are added to the gown 430 for ornamental purposes, however any other design can be used. Clips 310, hidden in this view, are spaced accordingly around the support member 300 to secure the decorative boot clip 100 to the boot 110.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip 100 in an ornamented state with a thigh attachment according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown 430 still attaches to the rim of the boot 110, but instead extends upward above the knee and attaches to the user's thigh with an elastic band 1010. The slip 420, which is hidden in this view, extends deep into the boot 110 due to the complexity and length of the design. The support member 300, also hidden in this view, secures the decorative boot clip 100 on the boot 110 using clips 310 or any suitable securing means. The gown 430 can attach to the thigh using an elastic band 1010, but a zipper, strap, button, or other means can also be used.

Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached to the gown 430, or any material can be used which complements the design of the boot 110. Special designs can be placed onto the area where the support member 300 attaches to the boot 110 to further distinguish it from the gown 430 and show discontinuity from the boot 110 to the gown 430. Fusing, facing, or any suitable firm material can be used to further retain this embodiment in its upright position. This embodiment is intended to be used with knee-high boots, but any suitable tall boot 110 can be used.

While the above description contains specific details regarding certain elements, sizes, and other teachings, it is understood that embodiments of the invention or any combination of them may be practiced without these specific details. These details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but merely as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments. In other instances, well known structures, elements, and techniques have not been shown to clearly explain the details of the invention. 

1. A decorative boot clip comprising: a support member formed from a first material selected to secure itself to the rim of a boot; said support member having a circular concave shape adapted to fit onto said rim of said boot; said support member having a flat inner portion adapted to attach on the inside of said rim of said boot, and a flat outer portion adapted to attach to the outside of said rim of said boot; a gap enabling said support member to resize itself for boot rims of different circumferences; said inner and outer portions having a small clearance, wherein said support member will fasten onto the rim of said boot due to the displacement of said clearance when placed onto said rim of said boot and is further secured by the pressure of the leg against said inner portion and inside wall of said boot.
 2. The decorative boot clip of claim 1, wherein said first material is a firm, flexible material comprising metal, rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material.
 3. The decorative boot clip of claim 2, wherein said support member comprises inset clips for attaching said support member to said boot.
 4. The decorative boot clip of claim 3, wherein said outer portion of said support member further comprises jewelry, studs, bows, ribbons, beads, chains, fabrics, materials or other accessories attached for ornamental and decorative purposes.
 5. The decorative boot clip of claim 3, wherein said support member is enclosed in a tight-fitting second material such as satin, silk, cotton, polyester, or other lining to aid in securing it to the boot rim while also aiding in comfort and positioning.
 6. The decorative boot clip of claim 5, wherein a third material is attached to said outer portion of said support member, said third material comprising a durable material such as leather, suede, vinyl, or fabric.
 7. The decorative boot clip of claim 6, wherein said third material extends down the entire exterior of the boot shaft.
 8. The decorative boot clip of claim 7, wherein said third material comprises a vertically positioned zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, and a stretchable fabric on either side of said zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device for easy attachment and removal from said boot.
 9. The decorative boot clip of claim 7, wherein a belt is attached to the ankle portion of said boot to secure it, said belt having an ornamental object for decorative purposes.
 10. The decorative boot clip of claim 1, further comprising a crown positioned between said inner and outer portions of said support member, said crown having a flat or rounded shape intended to widen the space between said inner and outer portions.
 11. A decorative boot clip comprising: a support member, formed from a first material selected to secure itself to the rim of a boot; said support member having a circular concave shape adapted to fit onto said rim of said boot; said support member having a flat inner portion adapted to attach on the inside rim of said boot, and a flat outer portion adapted to attach to the outside rim of said boot; said inner and outer portions having a small clearance, wherein said support member will fasten onto said rim of said boot due to the displacement of said clearance when placed onto said rim of said boot; said first material comprising a firm, flexible material such as metal, rubber, foam, plastic, or any suitable material; said support member comprising inset clips for attaching said support member to said boot; said support member comprising a gap enabling said support member to resize itself for boot rims of different circumferences; said support member enclosed in a tight-fitting second material such as satin, silk, cotton, polyester, or other lining to aid in securing it to said boot rim while also aiding in comfort and positioning; said support member having a third material attached to said outer portion of said support member, said third material comprising a durable material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other fabric; fusing enclosed within said third material; wherein said third material attaches vertically above said boot rim and extends upward above the knee and held upright by said fusing.
 12. The decorative boot clip of claim 11, wherein said third material further comprises jewelry, studs, bows, ribbons, beads, chains, fabrics, materials or other accessories attached for ornamental and decorative purposes.
 13. The decorative boot clip of claim 11, wherein said third material further comprises a vertically oriented zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, and a stretchable fabric on either side of said zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, for easy attachment and removal from said boot.
 14. A decorative boot clip comprising: a first material formed of a material such as satin, silk, cotton, polyester, or other lining; a second material connected to said first material formed of a durable material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other fabric; said second material having jewelry, studs, bows, ribbons, beads, chains, fabrics, materials or other accessories attached for ornamental and decorative purposes; Wherein said first and second materials attach directly to the rim of a boot.
 15. The decorative boot clip of claim 14, where said attachment to said rim of said boot further comprises inset clips.
 16. The decorative boot clip of claim 14, where said second material extends down the entire exterior of the boot shaft of said boot.
 17. The decorative boot clip of claim 16, where said second material further comprises a vertically positioned zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, and a stretchable fabric on either side of said zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, for easy attachment and removal from said boot.
 18. The decorative boot clip of claim 17, where a belt is attached to the ankle portion of said boot to secure said second material to said boot, said belt having an ornamental object for decorative purposes. 